PURPOSE: To describe and characterize the surface topography and cleanliness of CAD/CAM manufactured zirconia abutments after steaming and ultrasonic cleaning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 ceramic CAD/CAM implant abutments of various manufacturers were produced and randomly divided into two groups of six samples each (control and test group). Four two-piece hybrid abutments and two one-piece abutments made of zirconium-dioxide were assessed per each group. In the control group, cleaning by steam was performed. The test group underwent an ultrasonic cleaning procedure with acetone, ethyl alcohol and antibacterial solution. Groups were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to verify and characterize contaminant chemical characterization non-quantitatively. RESULTS: All zirconia CAD/CAM abutments in the present study displayed production-induced wear particles, debris as well as organic and inorganic contaminants. The abutments of the test group showed reduction of surface contamination after undergoing an ultrasonic cleaning procedure. However, an absolute removal of pollutants could not be achieved. CONCLUSION: The presence of debris on the transmucosal surface of CAD/CAM zirconia abutments of various manufacturers was confirmed. Within the limits of the study design, the results suggest that a defined ultrasonic cleaning process can be advantageously employed to reduce such debris, thus, supposedly enhancing soft tissue healing. Although the adverse long-term influence of abutment contamination on the biological stability of peri-implant tissues has been evidenced, a standardized and validated polishing and cleaning protocol still has to be implemented.
Acetone ; Ceramics ; Ethanol ; Spectrum Analysis ; Steam ; Ultrasonics

PURPOSE: To describe and characterize the surface topography and cleanliness of CAD/CAM manufactured zirconia abutments after steaming and ultrasonic cleaning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 ceramic CAD/CAM implant abutments of various manufacturers were produced and randomly divided into two groups of six samples each (control and test group). Four two-piece hybrid abutments and two one-piece abutments made of zirconium-dioxide were assessed per each group. In the control group, cleaning by steam was performed. The test group underwent an ultrasonic cleaning procedure with acetone, ethyl alcohol and antibacterial solution. Groups were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to verify and characterize contaminant chemical characterization non-quantitatively. RESULTS: All zirconia CAD/CAM abutments in the present study displayed production-induced wear particles, debris as well as organic and inorganic contaminants. The abutments of the test group showed reduction of surface contamination after undergoing an ultrasonic cleaning procedure. However, an absolute removal of pollutants could not be achieved. CONCLUSION: The presence of debris on the transmucosal surface of CAD/CAM zirconia abutments of various manufacturers was confirmed. Within the limits of the study design, the results suggest that a defined ultrasonic cleaning process can be advantageously employed to reduce such debris, thus, supposedly enhancing soft tissue healing. Although the adverse long-term influence of abutment contamination on the biological stability of peri-implant tissues has been evidenced, a standardized and validated polishing and cleaning protocol still has to be implemented.
Acetone ; Ceramics ; Ethanol ; Spectrum Analysis ; Steam ; Ultrasonics

PURPOSE: To determine the extent of treatment traces, the roughness depth, and the quantity of titanium nitride (TiN) removed from the surface of CAD/CAM abutments after treatment with various instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve TiN coated CAD/CAM abutments were investigated for an in vitro study. In the test group (9), each abutment surface was subjected twice (150 g vs. 200 g pressure) to standardized treatment in a simulated prophylaxis measure with the following instruments: acrylic scaler, titanium curette, and ultrasonic scaler with steel tip. Three abutments were used as control group. Average surface roughness (Sa) and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of treated and untreated surfaces were measured with a profilometer. The extent of treatment traces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Manipulation with ultrasonic scalers resulted in a significant increase of average surface roughness (Sa, P < .05) and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr, P < .018). Variable contact pressure did not yield any statistically significant difference on Sa-values for all instruments (P=.8). Ultrasonic treatment resulted in pronounced surface traces and partially detachment of the TiN coating. While titanium curettes caused predominantly moderate treatment traces, no traces or detectable substance removal has been determined after manipulation with acrylic curettes. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate instruments during regular plaque control may have an adverse effect on the integrity of the TiN coating of CAD/CAM abutments. To prevent defects and an increased surface roughness at the transmucosal zone of TiN abutments, only acrylic scaling instruments can be recommended for regular maintenance care.
In Vitro Techniques ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Steel ; Tin ; Titanium ; Ultrasonics

PURPOSE: . Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) of implant abutments has been shown to result in surface contamination from site-specific milling and fabrication processes. If not removed, these contaminants can have a potentially adverse effect and may trigger inflammatory responses of the peri-implant tissues. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bacterial disinfection and cleaning efficacy of ultrasonic reprocessing in approved disinfectants to reduce the microbial load of CAD-CAM abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Four different types of custom implant abutments (total N = 32) with eight specimens in each test group (type I to IV) were CAD-CAM manufactured. In two separate contamination experiments, specimens were contaminated with heparinized sheep blood alone and with heparinized sheep blood and the test bacterium Enterococcus faecium. Abutments in the test group were processed according to a three-stage ultrasonic protocol and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by determination of residual protein. Ultrasonicated specimens contaminated with sheep blood and E. faecium were additionally eluted and the dilutions were incubated on agar plates for seven days. The determined bacterial counts were expressed as colony-forming units (CFU). RESULTS: . Ultrasonic reprocessing resulted in a substantial decrease in residual bacterial protein to less than 80 µg and a reduction in microbiota of more than 7 log levels of CFU for all abutment types, exceeding the effect required for disinfection. CONCLUSION . A three-stage ultrasonic cleaning and disinfection protocol results in effective bacterial decontamination. The procedure is reproducible and complies with the standardized reprocessing and disinfection specifications for one- or two-piece CAD-CAM implant abutments.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of cement, bonding pretreatment, and ceramic abutment material on the overall color results of CAD-CAM ceramic crowns bonded to titanium-based hybrid abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For single implant restoration of a maxillary lateral incisor a total of 51 CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated and subsequently bonded onto 24 lithium disilicate Ti-base abutments, 24 zirconia Ti-base abutments and 3 resin abutment replicas as a control group.The 48 copings were cemented with three definitive and one provisional cement on both grit-blasted and non-blasted Ti-bases. The color of each restoration and surrounding artificial gingiva was measured spectrophotometrically at predefined measuring points and the CIELAB (ΔE ab ) color scale values were recorded. RESULTS: The color outcome of ceramic crowns bonded to hybrid abutments and soft tissues was affected differently by cements of different brands. Grit-blasting of Ti-bases prior to cementing CAD-CAM copings affected the color results of allceramic crowns. There was a significant difference (P = .038) for the median ΔE value between blasted and non-blasted reconstructions at the cervical aspect of the crown. Full-ceramic crowns on zirconia Ti-base abutments exhibited significantly lower ΔE values below the threshold of visibility (ΔE 1.8). In all subcategories tested, the use of a highly opaque temporary cement demonstrated the lowest median ΔE for both the crown and the artificial gingiva. CONCLUSION Various cements, core ceramic materials and airborne particle abrasion prior to bonding can adversely affect the color of Ti-base supported ceramic crowns and peri-implant soft tissue. However, zirconia CAD-CAM copings and an opaque cement can effectively mask this darkening.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of cement, bonding pretreatment, and ceramic abutment material on the overall color results of CAD-CAM ceramic crowns bonded to titanium-based hybrid abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For single implant restoration of a maxillary lateral incisor a total of 51 CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated and subsequently bonded onto 24 lithium disilicate Ti-base abutments, 24 zirconia Ti-base abutments and 3 resin abutment replicas as a control group.The 48 copings were cemented with three definitive and one provisional cement on both grit-blasted and non-blasted Ti-bases. The color of each restoration and surrounding artificial gingiva was measured spectrophotometrically at predefined measuring points and the CIELAB (ΔE ab ) color scale values were recorded. RESULTS: The color outcome of ceramic crowns bonded to hybrid abutments and soft tissues was affected differently by cements of different brands. Grit-blasting of Ti-bases prior to cementing CAD-CAM copings affected the color results of allceramic crowns. There was a significant difference (P = .038) for the median ΔE value between blasted and non-blasted reconstructions at the cervical aspect of the crown. Full-ceramic crowns on zirconia Ti-base abutments exhibited significantly lower ΔE values below the threshold of visibility (ΔE 1.8). In all subcategories tested, the use of a highly opaque temporary cement demonstrated the lowest median ΔE for both the crown and the artificial gingiva. CONCLUSION Various cements, core ceramic materials and airborne particle abrasion prior to bonding can adversely affect the color of Ti-base supported ceramic crowns and peri-implant soft tissue. However, zirconia CAD-CAM copings and an opaque cement can effectively mask this darkening.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of cement, bonding pretreatment, and ceramic abutment material on the overall color results of CAD-CAM ceramic crowns bonded to titanium-based hybrid abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For single implant restoration of a maxillary lateral incisor a total of 51 CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated and subsequently bonded onto 24 lithium disilicate Ti-base abutments, 24 zirconia Ti-base abutments and 3 resin abutment replicas as a control group.The 48 copings were cemented with three definitive and one provisional cement on both grit-blasted and non-blasted Ti-bases. The color of each restoration and surrounding artificial gingiva was measured spectrophotometrically at predefined measuring points and the CIELAB (ΔE ab ) color scale values were recorded. RESULTS: The color outcome of ceramic crowns bonded to hybrid abutments and soft tissues was affected differently by cements of different brands. Grit-blasting of Ti-bases prior to cementing CAD-CAM copings affected the color results of allceramic crowns. There was a significant difference (P = .038) for the median ΔE value between blasted and non-blasted reconstructions at the cervical aspect of the crown. Full-ceramic crowns on zirconia Ti-base abutments exhibited significantly lower ΔE values below the threshold of visibility (ΔE 1.8). In all subcategories tested, the use of a highly opaque temporary cement demonstrated the lowest median ΔE for both the crown and the artificial gingiva. CONCLUSION Various cements, core ceramic materials and airborne particle abrasion prior to bonding can adversely affect the color of Ti-base supported ceramic crowns and peri-implant soft tissue. However, zirconia CAD-CAM copings and an opaque cement can effectively mask this darkening.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of cement, bonding pretreatment, and ceramic abutment material on the overall color results of CAD-CAM ceramic crowns bonded to titanium-based hybrid abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For single implant restoration of a maxillary lateral incisor a total of 51 CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated and subsequently bonded onto 24 lithium disilicate Ti-base abutments, 24 zirconia Ti-base abutments and 3 resin abutment replicas as a control group.The 48 copings were cemented with three definitive and one provisional cement on both grit-blasted and non-blasted Ti-bases. The color of each restoration and surrounding artificial gingiva was measured spectrophotometrically at predefined measuring points and the CIELAB (ΔE ab ) color scale values were recorded. RESULTS: The color outcome of ceramic crowns bonded to hybrid abutments and soft tissues was affected differently by cements of different brands. Grit-blasting of Ti-bases prior to cementing CAD-CAM copings affected the color results of allceramic crowns. There was a significant difference (P = .038) for the median ΔE value between blasted and non-blasted reconstructions at the cervical aspect of the crown. Full-ceramic crowns on zirconia Ti-base abutments exhibited significantly lower ΔE values below the threshold of visibility (ΔE 1.8). In all subcategories tested, the use of a highly opaque temporary cement demonstrated the lowest median ΔE for both the crown and the artificial gingiva. CONCLUSION Various cements, core ceramic materials and airborne particle abrasion prior to bonding can adversely affect the color of Ti-base supported ceramic crowns and peri-implant soft tissue. However, zirconia CAD-CAM copings and an opaque cement can effectively mask this darkening.